Milwaukee Rep Names United Community Center Recipient of “A Christmas Carol” Program

MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER NAMES PILLAR PARTNER

UNITED COMMUNITY CENTER

RECIPIENT OF THE

A CHRISTMAS CAROL FAMILIES PROGRAM

November 20, 2017 – (Milwaukee, WI) Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s annual production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has become Milwaukee’s favorite holiday tradition. With its timeless message of hope and redemption, the production has been a cornerstone of The Rep’s programming for 40 years playing to over 1.5 million people. In fostering The Rep’s mission of creating positive change in the community, the A Christmas Carol Families Program raises funds for underprivileged families during the holiday season. This year we are pleased to announce that families from the United Community Center, one of our Mpact Pillar Partners, will be the A Christmas Carol Families Program recipient.

After each performance of A Christmas Carol, cast members will collect money from patrons for families from the United Community Center that are in need this holiday season. The Rep staff volunteers will purchase and wrap gifts – including clothing, toys, household items and grocery gift cards – and then present them to the families selected by the UCC. Any funds remaining after the gifts are purchased will be donated to the United Community Center to support the excellent work they do in the community. The Rep typically raises $40,000 annually via the A Christmas Carol Family Program benefiting such organizations as Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Running Rebels, COA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, La Causa, Journey House, Sojourner Family Peace Center and Next Door Foundation.

“Our A Christmas Carol Families Program has become as much a tradition as the show itself.” Stated Managing Director Chad Bauman. “Over the years, The Rep staff has volunteered thousands of hours to ensure that families in need are not forgotten this holiday season. With this annual production and our amazingly generous audiences, we wish to continue the theme of hope by raising funds to support local families in need and the exceptional work the United Community Center does for our community.”

“We are thrilled to have been selected as A Christmas Carol Families program recipient—what an incredible program. We admire Milwaukee Repertory Theater for all of their efforts to make a positive impact in the community. We have been working closely with them over the last couple of years and this is just one example of the great work they’re doing.” said Ricardo Diaz, Executive Director of United Community Center. “This generous gift from Milwaukee Repertory Theater is astounding—you can’t imagine the impact it will have on families who face many hardships in our community. It will certainly ensure a happy and stress-free holiday where needs are met for clothing, recreation and food. We’re delighted to partner with The Rep on initiatives like this one that make a difference in Milwaukee.”

About United Community Center:

United Community Center’s (UCC) mission is to provide programs to Hispanics and near south side residents of all ages in the areas of education, cultural arts, recreation, community development, and health and human services. The UCC assists individuals to achieve their potential by focusing on cultural heritage as a means of strengthening personal development and by promoting high academic standards in all of its educational programs. For 47 years, each family they have served has had one thing in common: the desire to improve the life of their family, which is something we all want for those we love. Successful students, active and healthy adults, and strong families create vibrant, dynamic, and prosperous communities, something from which everyone will benefit. More than 50 percent of the organization’s annual budget goes toward education programming. For more information, please visit www.unitedcc.org.

About A Christmas Carol:

The Rep’s new production of A Christmas Carol was adapted by Artistic Director Mark Clements and the world premiere production broke box office records in December 2016. This family friendly version of Charles Dickens’ beloved story is a tale of love, hope and redemption with just the right blend of beautiful music, lively dancing, stunning sets and eye-popping special effects. A Christmas Carol is proudly presented by Wells Fargo with executive producers Jay Franke and David Herro.Additional support comes from the United Performing Arts Fund; Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Media Sponsor; Studio Gear, Equipment Sponsor and Wisconsin Department of Tourism. A Christmas Carol performs at The Pabst Theater from November 28 – December 24. Tickets can be purchased online www.MilwaukeeRep.com, by calling The Rep’s Ticket Office at 414-224-9490 or in-person at 108 East Wells Street in downtown Milwaukee.

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About Milwaukee Repertory Theater

Milwaukee Rep is a nationally-recognized company that presents compelling dramas, powerful classics, award-winning contemporary works and full-scale musicals housed in its three unique performance venues – the Quadracci Powerhouse, Stiemke Studio and Stackner Cabaret. The Rep also produces an annual production of A Christmas Carol at the historic Pabst Theater. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Mark Clements and Managing Director Chad Bauman, Milwaukee Repertory Theater ignites positive change in the cultural, social, and economic vitality of its community by creating world-class theater experiences that entertain, provoke, and inspire meaningful dialogue among an audience representative of Milwaukee’s rich diversity.

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